EP1322266B1 - Exoskeletal leg prosthesis - Google Patents
Exoskeletal leg prosthesis Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1322266B1 EP1322266B1 EP01975693A EP01975693A EP1322266B1 EP 1322266 B1 EP1322266 B1 EP 1322266B1 EP 01975693 A EP01975693 A EP 01975693A EP 01975693 A EP01975693 A EP 01975693A EP 1322266 B1 EP1322266 B1 EP 1322266B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ankle block
- block according
- insert
- leg
- ankle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/60—Artificial legs or feet or parts thereof
- A61F2/66—Feet; Ankle joints
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/60—Artificial legs or feet or parts thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/76—Means for assembling, fitting or testing prostheses, e.g. for measuring or balancing, e.g. alignment means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/5044—Designing or manufacturing processes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/60—Artificial legs or feet or parts thereof
- A61F2002/607—Lower legs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/50—Prostheses not implantable in the body
- A61F2/60—Artificial legs or feet or parts thereof
- A61F2/66—Feet; Ankle joints
- A61F2002/6614—Feet
Definitions
- the present invention relates to lower leg prostheses and methods of assembly and alignment of lower leg prostheses and more particularly to an improved apparatus and method of assembly and alignment.
- the exoskeletal apparatus consists of a rigid leg component shaped in the appearance of the external human leg, attached to a foot.
- the leg component was constructed of solid wood, but now it is more commonly constructed of a resin or lightweight composite material formed around a solid structural foam interior.
- the composite laminate leg component is extremely lightweight, strong, and capable of supporting very heavy loads.
- the leg component is attached to the limb of a person through a socket.
- the leg component is attached to an artificial foot through a block in the ankle area.
- the ankle block is usually solid wood or structural foam and contains a fastening mechanism such as a bolt and nut fastener to attach the artificial foot and the ankle block is usually permanently attached to the leg portion through the laminate of the leg component.
- U.S. Patent 3,940,804 discloses an example of such a prosthesis comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.
- the ankle block for a leg prosthesis.
- the ankle block comprises an insert having a body with an upper mounting surface and a bottom interface surface opposite from the upper mounting surface.
- the insert body defines a central coaxial hole therethrough.
- An over mold is formed about an exterior of the body and extends upwardly therefrom defining a central cavity above the insert and above the upper mounting surface.
- Another aspect is a method of constructing an exoskeletal leg prosthesis.
- the method comprises the steps of forming a leg socket for receiving the leg of a user and affixing a temporary adapter to a bottom of the leg socket.
- An ankle block is attached to the top of a prosthetic wherein the ankle block includes an insert for attaching the block to the foot and an outer mold molded over the insert and having an upwardly extending portion defining a recess therein.
- a temporary adapter is affixed to an upper surface of the ankle block and an endoskeletal pylon system is attached to the adapters on the ankle block and the leg socket to create a temporary adjustable prosthetic leg.
- the endoskeletal pylon is adjusted to align the prosthetic foot with respect to the leg socket.
- the prosthetic foot is aligned with the leg socket, the prosthetic foot is removed from the ankle block.
- the adjusted leg is retained in a fixture whereupon the endoskeletal pylon and temporary adapters are removed while maintaining the leg socket and ankle block in their adjusted alignment.
- a structural foam support is molded between the leg socket and the ankle block and then an outer structural shell is laminated to the combined leg socket, foam support, and ankle block. The prosthetic foot is then reattached to the ankle block.
- Yet another aspect is a method for constructing an exoskeletal prosthetic leg.
- the method comprises the steps of providing a leg socket and an ankle block affixed to a prosthetic foot.
- a temporary adjustable endoskeletal pylon is attached between the leg socket and the ankle block.
- the pylon is adjusted to dynamically align the prosthetic foot with respect to the leg socket.
- the pylon is adjusted in a dynamic fashion to align the prosthetic foot with respect to the leg socket.
- the aligned prosthetic leg is then clamped in a fixture and the temporary endoskeletal pylon is removed while maintaining the adjusted alignment of the leg socket with respect to the ankle block.
- An inner foam core is constructed between the leg socket and the ankle block and a laminated shell is then applied to an exterior of the combined leg socket, foam core, and ankle block.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exoskeletal leg prosthesis embodying the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a prosthetic foot with an ankle block attached thereto and the temporary endoskeletal pylon.
- Figure 3 is a cross-section of the prosthetic foot and temporary endoskeletal pylon of Figure 2 .
- Figure 4 is an exploded view of the attachment of the prosthetic foot ankle to the temporary endoskeletal pylon.
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of an ankle block.
- Figure 6 is a cross-section of the ankle block of Figure 5 and the pyramid adapter tool.
- Figure 8 is a cross-section of a spacer.
- Exoskeletal leg prosthesis 20 includes a leg portion 22 having at an upper portion thereof a leg socket 26 defining a cavity 28 for receiving the leg of a user.
- the socket 26 is supported by leg support 30.
- Leg support 30 is constructed of a structural foam core 34 and further wherein socket 26 and structural foam core 34 are encased in a shell 32.
- Shell 32 is typically constructed of a fiber-reinforced resin, or more commonly known as a composite shell, the lay up and construction of which is well known in the art.
- a foot portion 24 is attached to the bottom of leg portion 22.
- Temporary endoskeletal pylon 44 comprises an endoskeletal tube 50 having a tube adapter 52 affixed at a bottom thereof and a socket adapter 46 affixed at a top thereof.
- Socket adapter 46 is temporarily affixed to socket 26 in a manner that is well known in the art whereby socket 26 has a pyramid portion 27 ( Figure 9B ) affixed to a bottom thereof which is received in socket adapter 46 and retained in place by set screws 48 bearing upon individual faces of the pyramid. In this manner, temporary endoskeletal pylon 44 can be retained and adjusted with respect to socket 26 by adjusting set screws 48.
- a circular recess 92 is formed in the top of spherical interface surface 90 and an alignment pin 91 is interferingly received in a hole in insert 84 such that one end of pin 91 extends into the recess defined by spherical interface surface 90.
- the portion of pin 91 that extends into spherical recess 90 is received in a like placed recess of spherical mounting surface 57 on ankle 56 to ensure a desired rotational alignment between ankle block 80 and ankle 56.
- a cap 89 is affixed over a top end of threaded insert 88 to seal the space above insert 84 from the threaded hole in insert 88.
- a urethane overmold 82 is molded around body 81 of insert 84.
- Urethane overmold 82 is rigid and extends upwardly from insert 84 to form a cup like structure thereby defining a central recess. Notches 83 are formed in over mold 82 for access as to the central recess for the purpose described below. As seen in Figure 3 , the exterior contour of over mold 82 is slightly smaller than the outer perimeter of upper surface 39 of foot shell 38. As the final prosthesis is an exoskeletal prosthesis, the slightly smaller periphery of urethane over mold 82 from that of upper surface 39 accommodates the thickness of the composite shell 32 to be formed later, thus providing a smooth transition from foot shell 38 to the exterior surface of composite shell 32.
- endoskeletal leg 44 is affixed to pyramid adapter tool 94 wherein tube adapter 52 is received over pyramid 96 and set screws 54 are threaded to bear against pyramid faces 97.
- One setscrew 54 is aligned with each face of pyramid 96. This method of attaching leg 44 to pyramid 96 is the same as the attachment of socket adapter 46 to the pyramid affixed to leg socket 26.
- the prosthetist will, through his experience and expertise, work with the wearer of prosthetic leg 20 in a dynamic manner to adjust foot portion 24 with respect to socket 26 to provide the optimum alignment of foot portion 24 with respect to socket 26.
- the alignment is accomplished by repeated adjustments of set screws 48 to adjust endoskeletal pylon 44 with respect to socket 26 and by adjusting set screws 54 in tube adapter 52 to adjust foot portion 24, including ankle block 80, with respect to endoskeletal pylon 44 and socket 26.
- Notches 83 formed in the upper portion of urethane molding 82 facilitate the necessary access to set screws 54.
- a flexible plastic sleeve 100 such as a plastic bag is affixed to a lower portion of leg socket 26 and to the exterior surface of urethane over mold 82 of ankle block 80.
- An expanding structural foam 102 is then placed in the bag and allowed to expand and cure. Once the foam has cured, the plastic bag can be removed and the foam core extending from the leg socket 26 to ankle block 80 can be trimmed and shaped to a desired configuration and in a manner known in the art ( Figure 9I ).
- the fiber reinforced shell 32 is constructed to extend from the upper surface 39 of foot shell 38 to the top opening of cavity 28 in leg socket 26.
- the construction of the fiber reinforced shell 32 can be accomplished in any of a number of known methods depending upon the type of fiber reinforcement and curable resins utilized to fabricate the shell 32. Once the shell has cured, the leg prosthesis 20 is ready for use by the wearer whereby foot portion 24 is reattached ( Figure 9J ) and is optimally aligned with leg socket 26 with a lightweight composite type construction therebetween and not relying on multiple mechanical interfaces that have the potential to become misaligned, loose, or create undesirable noise.
- Spacer 62 comprises a body 69 which has a spherical upper surface 64 and a like spherical bottom surface 65 wherein spherical surfaces 64 and 65 have the same radius as spherical mounting surface 57 on ankle 56 and concave spherical interface surface 90 in ankle block 80.
- Spacer 62 includes a raised circular boss 67 in axial alignment with a vertical hole 70 through a center of spacer 62.
- foot 36 is removed from ankle 56 and foot bolt 60 is removed, thus disassembling ankle 56 from ankle block 80.
- Spacer 62 is placed in concave recess 90 of ankle block 80 such that alignment pin 91 is received in alignment recess 66 of spacer 62 and ankle 56 is then mated to the bottom of spacer 62.
- Boss 67 of spacer 62 is received in circular recess 92 of ankle block 80 to assure axial alignment of spacer 62 with ankle block 80 and alignment pin 63 is received in a corresponding alignment recess in ankle 56.
- a longer foot bolt 60 is then inserted from the bottom of ankle 56 and threaded into ankle block 80 whereupon foot 36 is again reattached to anlde 56.
- Spacer 62 is typically 6,35 mm (.250 inches) in thickness, and up to two spacers can be utilized between ankle block 80 and ankle 56, thus providing for 12,7 mm (1 ⁇ 2 inch) of growth accommodation for a child wearing the prosthesis.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Prostheses (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to lower leg prostheses and methods of assembly and alignment of lower leg prostheses and more particularly to an improved apparatus and method of assembly and alignment.
- Traditionally there are two types of lower leg prostheses, an external or exoskeletal apparatus and an internal or endoskeletal apparatus. The exoskeletal apparatus consists of a rigid leg component shaped in the appearance of the external human leg, attached to a foot. Traditionally, the leg component was constructed of solid wood, but now it is more commonly constructed of a resin or lightweight composite material formed around a solid structural foam interior. The composite laminate leg component is extremely lightweight, strong, and capable of supporting very heavy loads. The leg component is attached to the limb of a person through a socket. The leg component is attached to an artificial foot through a block in the ankle area. The ankle block is usually solid wood or structural foam and contains a fastening mechanism such as a bolt and nut fastener to attach the artificial foot and the ankle block is usually permanently attached to the leg portion through the laminate of the leg component.
U.S. Patent 3,940,804 discloses an example of such a prosthesis comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1. - The method of forming the exoskeletal leg apparatus and aligning the socket and foot for a particular patient traditionally involves an initial bench alignment based on the experience of the prosthetist constructing the apparatus. The alignment of the apparatus is extremely important to the effectiveness and comfort of the finished device. After the leg portion is cast and attached to the ankle block further alignment of this portion is impossible without cutting the cast portion and reconstructing it. The only adjustment easily made by the prosthetist after forming the exoskeletal leg is the minor adjustment of foot rotation made possible through the foot fastener. Thus, due primarily to the alignment difficulty, the modem trend has been away from the exoskeletal leg prosthesis toward a more adjustable endoskeletal leg.
- The endoskeletal leg apparatus comprises a series of tubes, simulating the bones of the leg, connected via adjustable components to the artificial foot and covered by a cosmetic cover to look like a human leg. The endoskeletal components are traditionally lightweight metals interconnected with fasteners and adjustable components. The advantage of the endoskeletal leg is that all of the components remain adjustable and are easily maintained and replaced if necessary. The components have also been standardized by many manufacturers for easy interchangeability and modularity. The main advantage of the endoskeletal apparatus is the ability for the prosthetist to align the leg by adjusting the components after the leg is statically and dynamically loaded by the end user during a fit test process. The process includes attaching a completely assembled apparatus including a foot to a user and allowing the user to stand and walk on the leg to determine the proper alignment. During this process, minute adjustments are made perfecting the alignment of the leg resulting in a more comfortable and effective prosthesis. The disadvantage of the endoskeletal leg is its relative high cost, its weight, its complexity, its noise potential due to multiple interconnected metal components, its mechanical appearance, and its lower strength capabilities as compared to the exoskeletal apparatus.
- Thus what is desired is an improved apparatus and method of constructing and aligning an exoskeletal leg prosthesis.
- One aspect of the present invention is an ankle block for a leg prosthesis. The ankle block comprises an insert having a body with an upper mounting surface and a bottom interface surface opposite from the upper mounting surface. The insert body defines a central coaxial hole therethrough. An over mold is formed about an exterior of the body and extends upwardly therefrom defining a central cavity above the insert and above the upper mounting surface.
- Another aspect is a method of constructing an exoskeletal leg prosthesis. The method comprises the steps of forming a leg socket for receiving the leg of a user and affixing a temporary adapter to a bottom of the leg socket. An ankle block is attached to the top of a prosthetic wherein the ankle block includes an insert for attaching the block to the foot and an outer mold molded over the insert and having an upwardly extending portion defining a recess therein. A temporary adapter is affixed to an upper surface of the ankle block and an endoskeletal pylon system is attached to the adapters on the ankle block and the leg socket to create a temporary adjustable prosthetic leg. The endoskeletal pylon is adjusted to align the prosthetic foot with respect to the leg socket. After the prosthetic foot is aligned with the leg socket, the prosthetic foot is removed from the ankle block. The adjusted leg is retained in a fixture whereupon the endoskeletal pylon and temporary adapters are removed while maintaining the leg socket and ankle block in their adjusted alignment. A structural foam support is molded between the leg socket and the ankle block and then an outer structural shell is laminated to the combined leg socket, foam support, and ankle block. The prosthetic foot is then reattached to the ankle block.
- Yet another aspect is a method for constructing an exoskeletal prosthetic leg. The method comprises the steps of providing a leg socket and an ankle block affixed to a prosthetic foot. A temporary adjustable endoskeletal pylon is attached between the leg socket and the ankle block. The pylon is adjusted to dynamically align the prosthetic foot with respect to the leg socket. The pylon is adjusted in a dynamic fashion to align the prosthetic foot with respect to the leg socket. The aligned prosthetic leg is then clamped in a fixture and the temporary endoskeletal pylon is removed while maintaining the adjusted alignment of the leg socket with respect to the ankle block. An inner foam core is constructed between the leg socket and the ankle block and a laminated shell is then applied to an exterior of the combined leg socket, foam core, and ankle block.
- These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exoskeletal leg prosthesis embodying the present invention. -
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a prosthetic foot with an ankle block attached thereto and the temporary endoskeletal pylon. -
Figure 3 is a cross-section of the prosthetic foot and temporary endoskeletal pylon ofFigure 2 . -
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the attachment of the prosthetic foot ankle to the temporary endoskeletal pylon. -
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an ankle block. -
Figure 6 is a cross-section of the ankle block ofFigure 5 and the pyramid adapter tool. -
Figure 7 is bottom perspective view of the attachment of the ankle to the ankle block. -
Figure 8 is a cross-section of a spacer. -
Figure 9A-J is a stepped sequence of the construction of an exoskeletal leg embodying the present invention. - For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
Figure 2-3 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - Turning to the drawings,
Figure 1 shows anexoskeletal prosthetic leg 20 which is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and illustrates its various components.Exoskeletal leg prosthesis 20 includes aleg portion 22 having at an upper portion thereof aleg socket 26 defining acavity 28 for receiving the leg of a user. Thesocket 26 is supported byleg support 30.Leg support 30 is constructed of astructural foam core 34 and further whereinsocket 26 andstructural foam core 34 are encased in ashell 32.Shell 32 is typically constructed of a fiber-reinforced resin, or more commonly known as a composite shell, the lay up and construction of which is well known in the art. Afoot portion 24 is attached to the bottom ofleg portion 22. - Turning now to
Figures 2-4 , atemporary leg assembly 40 is shown whereinfoot portion 24 covered byfoot shell 38 has anankle block 80 attached thereto. A temporaryendoskeletal pylon 44 is affixed toankle block 80. Temporaryendoskeletal pylon 44 comprises anendoskeletal tube 50 having atube adapter 52 affixed at a bottom thereof and asocket adapter 46 affixed at a top thereof.Socket adapter 46 is temporarily affixed tosocket 26 in a manner that is well known in the art wherebysocket 26 has a pyramid portion 27 (Figure 9B ) affixed to a bottom thereof which is received insocket adapter 46 and retained in place byset screws 48 bearing upon individual faces of the pyramid. In this manner, temporaryendoskeletal pylon 44 can be retained and adjusted with respect tosocket 26 by adjusting setscrews 48. -
Figure 3 discloses aprosthetic foot 36 and attachedankle 56. The construction offoot 36 andankle 56 is similar to the construction of the prosthetic foot assembly disclosed inU.S. Patent 6,129,766 . Further description of thefoot 36 and interface withankle 56 is not discussed herein.Foot 36 andankle 56 are received incosmetic foot shell 38 to provide the aesthetic appearance of a human foot.Foot shell 38 has anupper surface 39, which generally defines an opening through which thefoot 36 andankle 56 are received.Ankle 56 differs from the ankle inU.S. Patent 6,129,766 in thatankle 56 includes a spherical top attachment surface and atapered attachment hole 58 centrally located therein.Tapered bolt insert 59 is received inattachment hole 58 such that the narrow portion of the taperedinsert 59 is oriented toward the top. Afoot bolt 60 is inserted through taperedinsert 59 andankle 56 from the bottom such that the threads ofbolt 60 extend upwardly throughankle 56 andinsert 59. - An
ankle block 80 as shown inFigures 5-6 is attached toankle 56 withfoot bolt 60. Referring now toFigures 5-6 ,ankle block 80 comprises aninsert 84 which is typically a machined aluminum structure since a major objective of prosthetic construction is to minimize the weight thereof.Insert 84 includes a machined mountingsurface 85, which includes four threadedholes 86 circumferentially spaced therearound.Insert 84 further defines a central hole into which is received a threadedinsert 88. Threadedinsert 88 can be made from steel or titanium or other sturdy metal for receiving the threaded end offoot bolt 60. Thebottom interface surface 90 ofinsert 84 is spherically concave, the radius of which mates with the spherical radius of theupper surface 57 ofankle 56. Acircular recess 92 is formed in the top ofspherical interface surface 90 and analignment pin 91 is interferingly received in a hole ininsert 84 such that one end ofpin 91 extends into the recess defined byspherical interface surface 90. The portion ofpin 91 that extends intospherical recess 90 is received in a like placed recess of spherical mountingsurface 57 onankle 56 to ensure a desired rotational alignment betweenankle block 80 andankle 56. A cap 89 is affixed over a top end of threadedinsert 88 to seal the space aboveinsert 84 from the threaded hole ininsert 88. Aurethane overmold 82 is molded aroundbody 81 ofinsert 84.Urethane overmold 82 is rigid and extends upwardly frominsert 84 to form a cup like structure thereby defining a central recess.Notches 83 are formed in overmold 82 for access as to the central recess for the purpose described below. As seen inFigure 3 , the exterior contour of overmold 82 is slightly smaller than the outer perimeter ofupper surface 39 offoot shell 38. As the final prosthesis is an exoskeletal prosthesis, the slightly smaller periphery of urethane overmold 82 from that ofupper surface 39 accommodates the thickness of thecomposite shell 32 to be formed later, thus providing a smooth transition fromfoot shell 38 to the exterior surface ofcomposite shell 32. - Referring to
Figures 4 and6 , apyramid adapter tool 94 is placed on mountingsurface 85 ofankle block 80 and is fastened thereto with four cap screws threaded into threadedholes 86 ofinsert 84.Pyramid adapter tool 94 has at a top thereof apyramid 96 with a plurality of pyramid faces 97 therearound, which in the present embodiment comprises four pyramid faces.Pyramid adapter tool 94 has a sphericalupper surface 98 from whichpyramid 96 extends at a top center oftool 94. - As seen in
Figures 3 and4 ,endoskeletal leg 44 is affixed topyramid adapter tool 94 whereintube adapter 52 is received overpyramid 96 and setscrews 54 are threaded to bear against pyramid faces 97. Onesetscrew 54 is aligned with each face ofpyramid 96. This method of attachingleg 44 topyramid 96 is the same as the attachment ofsocket adapter 46 to the pyramid affixed toleg socket 26. - In use, and as illustrated in
Figures 9A-J , the prosthetist will, through his experience and expertise, work with the wearer ofprosthetic leg 20 in a dynamic manner to adjustfoot portion 24 with respect tosocket 26 to provide the optimum alignment offoot portion 24 with respect tosocket 26. The alignment is accomplished by repeated adjustments ofset screws 48 to adjustendoskeletal pylon 44 with respect tosocket 26 and by adjusting setscrews 54 intube adapter 52 to adjustfoot portion 24, includingankle block 80, with respect toendoskeletal pylon 44 andsocket 26.Notches 83 formed in the upper portion ofurethane molding 82 facilitate the necessary access to setscrews 54. - Once the
foot portion 24 has been optimally aligned with leg socket 26 (Figures 9C-D ), the prosthesis is removed from the user's leg and inserted into a fixture (Figure 9E ). Fixtures for holding leg prostheses for adjustment and work thereon are well known in the art, and thus specific details are not illustrated herein. The prosthesis is clamped into thefixture 18 such that bothfoot portion 24 andleg socket 26 are individually affixed to the fixture. Once theleg socket 26 andfoot 24 are retained in their adjusted relationship,endoskeletal pylon 44 is removed from betweenleg socket 26 and ankle block 80 (Figure 9F ). Onceendoskeletal pylon 44 has been removed, cap screws 95 are removed frompyramid adapter tool 94 andpyramid adapter tool 94 is removed fromankle block 80. Once thepylon 44 andtool 94 have been removed, a flexibleplastic sleeve 100 such as a plastic bag is affixed to a lower portion ofleg socket 26 and to the exterior surface of urethane overmold 82 ofankle block 80. An expandingstructural foam 102 is then placed in the bag and allowed to expand and cure. Once the foam has cured, the plastic bag can be removed and the foam core extending from theleg socket 26 toankle block 80 can be trimmed and shaped to a desired configuration and in a manner known in the art (Figure 9I ). After the structural foam core has been shaped, either in the shape of a human leg or some other desired shape, the fiber reinforcedshell 32 is constructed to extend from theupper surface 39 offoot shell 38 to the top opening ofcavity 28 inleg socket 26. The construction of the fiber reinforcedshell 32 can be accomplished in any of a number of known methods depending upon the type of fiber reinforcement and curable resins utilized to fabricate theshell 32. Once the shell has cured, theleg prosthesis 20 is ready for use by the wearer wherebyfoot portion 24 is reattached (Figure 9J ) and is optimally aligned withleg socket 26 with a lightweight composite type construction therebetween and not relying on multiple mechanical interfaces that have the potential to become misaligned, loose, or create undesirable noise. - When a leg prosthesis such as
prosthesis 20 is fabricated for a child, it is also desirable to accommodate for the child's growth without requiring the complete construction of a new prosthesis for every growth increment of the child. To facilitate the growth adjustment for a child, aspacer 62 as shown inFigure 8 is provided.Spacer 62 comprises abody 69 which has a sphericalupper surface 64 and a like sphericalbottom surface 65 whereinspherical surfaces surface 57 onankle 56 and concavespherical interface surface 90 inankle block 80.Spacer 62 includes a raisedcircular boss 67 in axial alignment with avertical hole 70 through a center ofspacer 62.Bottom surface 65 also includes an axially centeredcircular recess 68 slightly larger in diameter than raisedboss 67.Upper surface 64 also defines arecess 66 proximate to an outer periphery ofspacer 62. Analignment pin 63 extends frombottom surface 65 and is positioned 180 degrees opposite fromrecess 66. - As illustrated in
Figure 7 , when the prosthesis needs to be compensated for a child's growth,foot 36 is removed fromankle 56 andfoot bolt 60 is removed, thus disassemblingankle 56 fromankle block 80.Spacer 62 is placed inconcave recess 90 ofankle block 80 such thatalignment pin 91 is received inalignment recess 66 ofspacer 62 andankle 56 is then mated to the bottom ofspacer 62.Boss 67 ofspacer 62 is received incircular recess 92 ofankle block 80 to assure axial alignment ofspacer 62 withankle block 80 andalignment pin 63 is received in a corresponding alignment recess inankle 56. Alonger foot bolt 60 is then inserted from the bottom ofankle 56 and threaded intoankle block 80 whereuponfoot 36 is again reattached toanlde 56.Spacer 62 is typically 6,35 mm (.250 inches) in thickness, and up to two spacers can be utilized betweenankle block 80 andankle 56, thus providing for 12,7 mm (½ inch) of growth accommodation for a child wearing the prosthesis. - In the foregoing description those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise.
Claims (13)
- An ankle block (80) for a leg prosthesis, comprising:- an insert (84) having an upper mounting surface (85) and an oppositely facing bottom interface surface (90) and defining a central coaxial hole extending between said surfaces for attachment to a prosthetic foot,characterized in that- said bottom interface surface (90) is concave about said central coaxial hole,- an overmold (82) of urethane foam surrounds and imbeds the exterior of said insert (84) and a portion of said overmold extends upwardly in a cup shape to define a central cavity exposing said upper surface at the bottom of said cup shape.
- The ankle block according to claim 1 wherein said central coaxial hole has received therein an internally threaded insert (88).
- The ankle block according to claim 2 further including a cap (89) mated to a top of said threaded insert (88) to cover said internally threaded insert (88).
- The ankle block according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein said overmold (82) defines at least one notch (83) therein above said insert.
- The ankle block according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein said bottom interface surface (90) is spherically concave and coaxial with said coaxial hole.
- The ankle block according to claim 5 wherein said spherically concave surface (90) includes a coaxial circular recess (92) at a top thereof.
- The ankle block according to claim 6 further including an alignment pin (91) vertically depending from said spherically concave surface.
- The ankle block according to anyone of the preceding claims further including a removable pyramid tool (94) affixed to said top mounting surface.
- The ankle block according to claim 8 wherein said removable pyramid tool (94) has an upper spherical surface (98) and includes a multi-sided pyramid (97) at a top thereof.
- An ankle block according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein said cup shape includes notches (83) extending downwardly thereinto.
- An ankle block according to anyone of the preceding claims including an internally threaded insert (88) disposed in said central hole.
- An ankle block according to claim 11 wherein said internally threaded insert (88) includes an enlarged head overlying said central hole adjacent said upper surface for retaining said internally threaded insert (88) in said hole.
- An ankle block according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein said bottom surface (90) of said insert (84) has a circular recess (92) surrounding said central hole.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US23785600P | 2000-10-04 | 2000-10-04 | |
US237856P | 2000-10-04 | ||
PCT/US2001/031085 WO2002028326A1 (en) | 2000-10-04 | 2001-10-04 | Exoskeletal leg prosthesis and method for alignment |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1322266A1 EP1322266A1 (en) | 2003-07-02 |
EP1322266A4 EP1322266A4 (en) | 2006-12-20 |
EP1322266B1 true EP1322266B1 (en) | 2008-12-31 |
Family
ID=22895503
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01975693A Expired - Lifetime EP1322266B1 (en) | 2000-10-04 | 2001-10-04 | Exoskeletal leg prosthesis |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1322266B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE418942T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001294987A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60137240D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002028326A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7655049B2 (en) | 2001-07-26 | 2010-02-02 | Phillips Van L | Socket insert having a bladder system |
US6740124B1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2004-05-25 | Aldo A. Laghi | Cosmetic covers for prosthetic limbs |
US8128709B2 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2012-03-06 | össur hf | Functional foot cover |
US8961618B2 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2015-02-24 | össur hf | Prosthetic foot with resilient heel |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3956775A (en) * | 1975-02-18 | 1976-05-18 | Moore Robert R | Rotator for prosthetic ankle joint |
US3940804A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1976-03-02 | Hosmer/Dorrance Corporation | Ankle block |
GB8528992D0 (en) * | 1985-11-25 | 1986-01-02 | Hanger & Co Ltd J E | Alignment device |
US5425781A (en) * | 1994-01-14 | 1995-06-20 | Universite De Montreal | Ankle connector for prosthetic foot |
US5545230A (en) * | 1994-10-11 | 1996-08-13 | Ohio Willow Wood Company | Prosthesis mounting adapter and method |
GB9621138D0 (en) * | 1996-10-10 | 1996-11-27 | Chas A Blatchford And Sons Lim | A below-knee lower limb prosthesis and a shin component for the prosthesis |
US6312475B1 (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 2001-11-06 | Jerome P. Voisin | Prosthetic adaptor and prosthetic limb using same |
-
2001
- 2001-10-04 WO PCT/US2001/031085 patent/WO2002028326A1/en active Application Filing
- 2001-10-04 DE DE60137240T patent/DE60137240D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-10-04 AT AT01975693T patent/ATE418942T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-10-04 AU AU2001294987A patent/AU2001294987A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-10-04 EP EP01975693A patent/EP1322266B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2001294987A1 (en) | 2002-04-15 |
EP1322266A4 (en) | 2006-12-20 |
WO2002028326A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 |
EP1322266A1 (en) | 2003-07-02 |
ATE418942T1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
DE60137240D1 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
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